HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260229 128-132 Washington St Area Variance Extension Public CommentOutlook
128-132 Washington St, 26/4/20 comment for ZBA
From Margot Tohn <mtohn@verizon.net>
Date Mon 4/20/2026 4:26 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>
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Mark:
I own the property at 131 Washington St, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. My home is directly across the street from
128-132 Washington St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
I understand the owner of 128-132 Washington St is requesting an extension to the area variance that was
approved 18 months ago, on October 15th, 2024.
I strongly oppose the Zoning Board of Appeals granting this extension for three reasons.
1. Lack of Maintenance
In the last 18 months, the property has not been maintained by the absentee owner. The lack of maintenance has
made walking in front of the property – on both Washington Street and Beekman Street, dangerous, particularly
during the winter we just had..
Examples include:
Multiple times when one of the two screen or storm doors has been banging against the door during any kind of
wind. I have contacted the Owner’s real estate broker each time to get the door fixed.
There was a metal fence that had fallen down onto the sidewalk and the property. Again, I contacted the Owner ’s
real estate broker to get it fixed or removed.
The sidewalk on Washington Street was rarely shoveled during the winter. I contacted Code Enforcement in person
and was told that the they had tried to reach the owner repeatedly.
The lawn was not mowed in the summer until the grass was about 8” high.
2. Some Work has Started
The owner has already started some work, which has included something with the gas line and installing a curb cut
on Washington St.
3. Trees were Removed
Last Fall 2025, two mature and stunning oak or maple trees were cut down on the property. Other, smaller trees
were also cut down. Right now, the property has absolutely no trees. I understand that the owner guaranteed two
different neighbors that neither of these trees would be removed. They’re gone now.
4/20/26, 5:03 PM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAIeAXyYst0BLn%2FxHtAn3b…1/2
If you grant the owner another 18 months to start construction and possibly alter the plans, I am greatly concerned
that the property will continue to be an eyesore to our neighborhood, corners will be cut, and our neighborhood will
suffer. If the owner hasn’t been able to truly start the construction in the last 1 ½ years, perhaps another owner will
be able to purchase the property and move forward.
Tx.
Margot Tohn
914 643 1920
4/20/26, 5:03 PM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAIeAXyYst0BLn%2FxHtAn3b…2/2